1 to 10 of 10
Review Date: 12/30/2008
Helpful Score: 1
Before reading this book I had never read a book with ghosts as the main characters. I was intrigued by the authors view of life, for some people, after death. Her style of writing was very poetic and it is obvious she has a love for literature and poetry. The story progressed well and was cause for curiosity. I thought it out of place for a young adult book to have such vividly described sex scenes. Usually I base a books worth on whether I feel right about placing it on my shelf someday for my children to read. I would never want them to read this for the pure and simple fact that I dont think it age appropriate, nor content anyone should be filling their minds with. Also it has to be said, I didnt like the portrayal of Christians in the book. It is not because I am a Christian that I say this, but because I dont like it in books or movies when people deem it right to make their audience feel that all Christians are that way. We all are hypocrites at one time or another, myself not excluded. I can understand writing about a Christian who is fake, but portraying us all as perfect little robots who never do anything wrong, dont tolerate sin ever, and pretend to lead a life of righteousness is wrong in my opinion. Sin is wrong, we are to hate the sin, but love the sinner, not to ostracize and create an outcast of ourselves.
I was happy with the ending, in that it gave you hope for the future. I will be interested to see what the authors future stories have in store.
I was happy with the ending, in that it gave you hope for the future. I will be interested to see what the authors future stories have in store.
Review Date: 11/24/2008
Helpful Score: 1
As the Romanov family is one of favorite subjects in history I picked up this book. While it was a great story (historical fiction account), I didn't like that the author towards the end of the book portrayed Rasputin in a good light. However, the author did a great job and should be commended on all her hard work researching the family and everything surrounding them during their time.
Review Date: 12/30/2008
Helpful Score: 1
Karigan, a young woman, finds herself kicked out of school and running away to get home. Little did she know that running away would bring her so much adventure. It starts with her meeting a dying messenger bound to deliver a message to the king, whose lasts words employ Karigan to take the message to the king. Along the way she meets up with strange creatures, people who speak of magic, traitors, and the mysterious Gray One.
I purchased this book a while ago based on the recommendation from a friend who knows my taste in books well. When I started reading, I will admit I was a bit put off by the slowness of the story and a lack of any sort of love interest for the main character. Once I told myself to get over no love intrigue in the book and to enjoy the story, thats exactly what happened. I enjoyed the book! The authors attention to a fantasy world was done very well and to its history. Many scenes I thought were reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, only with her own style. Karigan, the main character, was convincing as a young woman unsure of where life will lead her. The many trials she faced and the courage she showed in persevering made the story even more enjoyable. At times the story got a bit too predictable, however, in a way it helped to keep me reading more to see if all my predication were correct. There was a very slit hint at a developing love interest toward the end (so dont give up on it completely). I look forward to the authors sequel. Im sure it will be even better.
I purchased this book a while ago based on the recommendation from a friend who knows my taste in books well. When I started reading, I will admit I was a bit put off by the slowness of the story and a lack of any sort of love interest for the main character. Once I told myself to get over no love intrigue in the book and to enjoy the story, thats exactly what happened. I enjoyed the book! The authors attention to a fantasy world was done very well and to its history. Many scenes I thought were reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, only with her own style. Karigan, the main character, was convincing as a young woman unsure of where life will lead her. The many trials she faced and the courage she showed in persevering made the story even more enjoyable. At times the story got a bit too predictable, however, in a way it helped to keep me reading more to see if all my predication were correct. There was a very slit hint at a developing love interest toward the end (so dont give up on it completely). I look forward to the authors sequel. Im sure it will be even better.
Review Date: 11/24/2008
Helpful Score: 6
When it comes to the sci-fi fantasy genre, aliens usually aren't my cup of tea. However, I decided to pick this up mostly because I liked Stephenie Meyer's Twilight books. At first I was a little confused, not alot of explaining at the beginning I felt like I was thrown in not knowing anything. As the book went on I couldn't put it down though. Meyer's ability to describe people and places and the emotions of two different people in one body was amazing. After reading this I can't really even consider the souls (at least the ones like Wanderer) aliens.
Review Date: 11/24/2008
Helpful Score: 4
I had been searching for this book for a long time. My mom just happened upon a very nice copy at our local Goodwill store. I read the book in a day and am completely satisfied. Alcott always has such a way of making me fall in love with her characters and making my heart twist with despair at their despair. Her main character in The Inheritance, Edith, has qualities that I myself wish I had. The story has many examples of sacrifice and such devotion, that are very touching. This is a book worthy of a place on my shelf for years to come and one I can't wait to share with my own children someday.
Review Date: 11/24/2008
Helpful Score: 1
Eva Ibbotson's love for Vienna is undeniable in most of her works. Madensky Square is no acception. Lovely descriptions of this far off place, make me long to visit. The authors ability to paint a picture of the clothing was beautiful. My only dislike of the book was the presence of mistresses in the story, otherwise wonderful as always!
Review Date: 11/24/2008
Eva Ibbotson has done it again! Just when I think I may be disappointed in her, because you never know when an author will exhaust their repertoire, I'm pleasantly surprised. Yet another story of pure devotion, history, twists and turns, and another reason to burn the midnight oil. I love her ability to describe a place so that I can say I've been to Vienna and England. My only disappointment is that I can't meet her and beg her to write more, plus I have so many questions. I highly recommend this book!
Review Date: 11/24/2008
I thought this was an interesting take on the vampire legend. The beginning didn't have me too thrilled, slow and a little confusing. However, I kept reading and ended up liking the book. It wasn't the best vampire book I've ever read, but it was worth reading.
Review Date: 11/24/2008
Helpful Score: 1
The book started out somewhat slow and I thought it took too long for the actual dragons to appear. At times I found it hard to believe that the main character and his friends were 15 year olds. It did have a few unexpected twists and I did end up enjoying the story.
Review Date: 11/24/2008
The book is about the fulfilling of a prophecy for a nation of people who have had their land stolen, have been stricken with war, and must become nomads to escape the emperor who wants their race dead. A young girl, Avala, bares the weight of having to fulfill the prophecy, the book is from her perspective. The author is one of my favorites. I really enjoyed the way in which Avala grows from an unsure girl to an amazing healer and confident young woman. The scenes that speak of their final freedom and the uniting of the other nations with Avala's, actually brought goose bumps to my arms.
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